It's become a show now, 2012 will see that take even more prominence in the scene

Favourite app:

Shazam, 'cos it's all about knowing the names of records.

Discovery of the year:

My new son - obvious really!

Rediscovery of the year:

Jodeci 'Freakin You (MK Dub)' from 1995. With the current renaissance of tracks from this golden era of house, it's great to play one of my all-time personal favourites that still sounds as good now as it did on the day I bought the vinyl.

Awkward Moment:

[Long pause] Answering this question

Style or substance:

You can't have one without the other.”

Pet Hate:

DJs who get on the mic. It's a return to the old days. We don't need it!

year?', but having 72 out of the Beatport Top 100 all on your own label must come a very close second. Mark Knight's Toolroom Records did just that at one stage in 2011, pretty much defining the year's main room tech house template as a result. It's no surprise really, because the man himself talks with a steely determination.
“I've got a definitive plan of what I want to do with my career. This year I've been focussed on the new live concept, but have also done some interesting pop collaborations with people. It's been good; I've had some big singles this year and have stepped it up a notch with the people I'm working with.”
Those people include Tiësto, and his live show debut is imminent. It's due to launch at Brixton and is a culmination of months of hard (“and expensive”) preparation. “I have a repertoire of proper songs and anthemic pieces, so I might as well play to that strength. That's gonna be my angle - we'll have Karl Hyde from Underworld, and loads of other guests will come on and perform. A sort of Chemical Brothers-style vibe is what I'm ultimately aiming for.”
A bold move, given Mark's already assured standing on the world DJ circuit. This year alone he has opened Space with Steve Lawler and Carl Cox, played an eight-hour set in front of 15,000 people at Cacao Beach in Bulgaria and has touched down all across Europe and the Americas. KRISTAN J CARYL